“I am particular about my fitness” – Kishori Shahane Vij

With gifted good looks supported by sharp melodious voice, it wasn’t much difficult for Kishori Shahane to find her place into tinsel world at the right time, when she was very much in college. An eminent classical and folk dancer, it added to her advantage to establish herself in cultural events at a young age. Having crowned with Miss Mithibai Beauty Pageant award from this popular college, known as the cultural hub of Mumbai, there was no looking back for multi-talented Kishori.

Being a Mumbaite and Maharashtrian, she first entered Marathi films and shot into fame with the films like ‘Maherchi Saadi’and ‘Wajva Re Wajva’. But, her stage performances in plays like ‘Moruchi Maushi’. (Marathi )and ‘Aadhe Adhure’ (Hindi) gave her recognition as a complete actress. Her performances in recent films like ‘Sachin’s ‘Navara Majha Navasacha’ and Zee Talkies’ block buster ‘Ek Daav Dhobi Pachhad’ (Marathi), Hriday Shetty’s Hindi film ‘Pya Mein Twist’, ‘Superstar’, ‘Shagird’ and Vikram Bhatt’s ‘Red’ (Hindi) gives an idea of her ability to play different roles, besides maintaining her fitness level, for the past 21 years.

Kishori Shahane Vij Kishori’s talent was noticed by dynamic Hindi film maker Deepak Balaraj Vij, with whom she did ‘Hafta bandh’, ‘Bomb Blast’,’Shirdi Ke Sai Baba’ and ‘Mumbai Godfather’. During the making of ‘Hafta Bandh’ in 1991,both came closer and got married later. With a short break of 2-3 years, Kishori then switched over to Hindi TV serials but continued to act in Marathi and Hindi films. She became a popular TV artiste with her performances in serials like ‘Ghar Ek Mandir’, ‘Teen Bahuraniyan’ and ‘Koi Apna Sa’. Her roles in other serials like ‘Santaan’ (Sahara), Kabhi To Nazar Milao’ and Jassi Jaisi Koi Nnahin’ (On Sony),’Sindoor(Zee Tv), ‘Yeh Dil Chhahe More’ (Star One) and ‘Mere Apne’ (9X) gives an account of her well spread network on small screen.

During her college days, Kishori excelled in Classical and folk dances and has performed live on stage not only in India but also in US and Australia. She also completed her music video ‘Saavan’ for Venus. After almost 13 years, since she became College beauty Queen, she took part in Mrs. Gladrags Beauty Pageant show and was adjudged Mrs. Gladrags Runner-up in 2003, which clearly displays her multi-talented personality.

As a film maker, her film ‘Mohatyachi Renuka’ has already received Maharashtra State award 2007, in the best editing category. This film was produced and directed by her. Her next venture as a producer was ‘Maalik Ek’ in Hindi, based on the life of Sai Baba with Jackie Shroff performing the lead role. Recently, Kishori also produced another marathi film ‘Aika Dajiba’ directed by her husband Deepak, with top stars from Marathi film industry. She played a prominent role in latest released sensational film ‘Aghor’ based on corruption in medical profession. Marathi Movie World spoke to Kishori Shahane Vij and the renowned actress spoke about her secret of fitness and her active lifestyle. Excerpts from an interview:

Q: You have been associated with entertainment industry for a long time now. What is the secret of your fitness ?
A: Since my college days I have been particular about my fitness. Even today, I regularly attend Gym, i.e. three days a week, go for regular walks and do Yoga and meditation.

Q: Do you think that this has helped you to cope up with stress and busy lifestyle in city?
A: Yes, particularly the meditation has helped me a lot towards stress management, which is so important today.

Q: You also directed a film ‘Mohatyachi Renuka’ Are you religious?
A: Yes, I am. Actually, this film was produced by the religious trust, who wanted me to make a film on this subject.

Q: You were also associated in production of two films on Saibaba, with your husband. First it was in 90s and then again in 2010. You have a lot of faith in Sai baba, Isn’t it ?
A: When we made the first film, it was because my husband saw Saibaba repeatedly in his dreams. And the second was also the result of the same thing; as he felt that he had missed few events in the life of this great saint from Maharashtra.

Q: How did you manage to remain in both Hindi and Marathi simultaneously ? Is it because of your good public relations?
A: Actually, I have a secretary called Amarjeet, who takes care of my dates. It helps me to avoid clash of dates. Even otherwise, I am very particular about a project, after giving a commitment.

Q. What are your future projects?
A: I am doing a film ‘Nana Nakose’ with Bharat Jadhav and Adinath Kothare, then there is ‘Langar’ and ‘Yeda Appa’ is now complete with post production work in progress. In Yeda Appa’ I am playing opposite Ashutosh Rana, who is making his debut in Marathi.